Allen Institute for Brain Science

Scientist I - Neural Coding

Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Applied Math, Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Strong background in image processing
  • Strong programming skills
  • Experience with software engineering best practices including version control and code reviews
  • Preferred: 3-5 years of relevant programming experience in Connectomics

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate to scale image processing for high throughput electron microscopy
  • Oversee EM data 2D stitching and 3D alignment pipeline
  • Analyze EM data with a team of anatomists and physiologists
  • Publish and present findings at scientific conferences

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage
  • Eligibility to enroll in the Allen Institute's 401k plan
  • Paid time off as outlined in the Benefits Guide
  • Relocation assistance offered
  • Potential for work visa sponsorship available
Full Job Description
Scientist I - Neural Coding

We are seeking a neuroscientist to lead the effort in image processing and analysis of large-scale Electron Microscopy (EM) datasets. The scientist will be responsible for overseeing EM image processing and will participate in the analysis of large-scale datasets. Examples of work related to this position can be found on:
  1. https://elifesciences.org/articles/76534
  2. https://elifesciences.org/articles/73783
  3. https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(22)00134-9.pdf
  4. https://www.nature.com/immersive/d42859-025-00001-w/index.html

The scientist will be an essential member of the Connectomics Department creating the datasets to study cell types across multiple modalities and their relationship with brain function.

Essential Functions
  • Collaborate with others to further scale the image processing of a high throughput electron microscopy pipeline towards whole mouse brain datasets
  • Oversee EM data 2D stitching and 3D alignment automated pipeline
  • Work closely with a team of anatomists, physiologists, theoreticians, and modelers to analyze EM data in the context of cell types and interpret the relationship between structure and modalities of cells such as molecular and physiology properties
  • Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience
  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Applied Math, Engineering; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
  • Strong background in image processing
  • Strong programming skills
  • Experience with software engineering best practices (e.g. version control and code reviews)

Preferred Education and Experience
  • Experience with Python
  • Experience with cloud computing
  • 3 - 5 years experience with relevant computer programing
  • Experience in Connectomics
  • Strong publication record
  • Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment to meet aggressive timelines
  • Ability to guide teams and coordinate activities within and across institutions, including coaching/mentoring junior members
  • Machine learning experience
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Work Environment
  • Laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards
  • This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)

Physical Demands
  • Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
  • Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
  • Stooping, bending, crouching
  • Reaching, or climbing ladders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
  • Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
  • This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis

Travel
  • Occasional travel to partner sites for compliance oversight may be required
  • Occasional attendance and participation in national and international conferences required

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Please share GitHub repository as part of job application
  • Include cover letter with your job application

Additional Comments
  • **Please note, this opportunity offersrelocation assistance**
  • **Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range
  • $86,150 - $106,650*

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits
  • Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute's Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute's 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institute's Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute's benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

About Allen Institute for Brain Science

The Allen Institute for Brain Science is a division of the Allen Institute, based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on bioscience research. Founded in 2003, it is dedicated to accelerating the understanding of how the human brain works. With the intent of catalyzing brain research in different areas, the Allen Institute provides free data and tools to scientists. Started with $100 million in seed money from Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen in 2003, the institute tackles projects at the leading edge of science—far-reaching projects at the intersection of biology and technology. The resulting data create free, publicly available resources that fuel discovery for countless researchers. Hongkui Zeng is the director of the institute.
Learn more about Allen Institute for Brain Science

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